The Hop Continues...

Introducing...Party Animals 1 - Isn't this set simply adorable and fun!!! One of my favorites from the release.  I love the different animals and sentiments in this set.  The perfect set for your party needs.

Of course being a "cat lover" (we own 6 indoor cats) I just had to ink up the kitty image first.  I wanted to make my card really FUN so I chose some nice bright colors and a layout that was a bit more "funky" then my normal layouts are with the curvy lines.  I hope you like it.

Details: Stamp Set: Party Animals 1
Card Stock: Basic Black, Bermuda Bay, Only Orange, Crushed Curry, Kiwi Kiss and Whisper White.
Ink Pad: Memento Tuxedo Black
Prisma Colored Pencils and Gamsol

Other: Swiss Dot Embossing Folder, Petitie Oval Nestabilitie Dies, Olive and PineappleSprinkles, Red Glitter and Crystal Effects.

I've included a Close-up of my kitty so you can see the details like the Crystal effects on the balloon, the glitter on the heart and how the balloon and party had are raised using dimensional tape.

Now I know if you love CUTE stamps you are going to want to have a chance to WIN this set so be sure to follow our blog hop rules.  Just visit each of the DT members blogs and leave a comment for them for you chance at winning this adorable and fun stamp set.

Here are the DT members blogs:

 Andrea   

Ida - That's me and you are already here!

Jerusha

Kylie

Michelle

Rene'

Sue

Teresa

Tiffany

The winner will be announced on the Annabelle Blog before the next preview begins on Tuesday.

Did you notice that the name of this set is Party Animals 1....Here's a hint...Come back next month for more Party Animals...hee hee.....nothing like being teased is there.

                                                                 

                                                                                 

Up For Another HOP - The Previews Continue

Hello - Did you all have a good time hopping on the first preview set (Ballerina Rose). So are you up for another great set and blog hop!  It's time to preview the next Annabelle Stamp set, (Branch Out).  This is a really fun set with some floral images, a branch image and lots of great sentiments and even a border stamp.                   The first thing I thought of when I saw the branch in the set was how much it reminded me of Mistletoe so I decided to make my card have a Christmas theme to it.  I started with a card base of Old Olive and layered Whisper White that I stamped the branch on with Old Olive ink.  Then I stamped the branch repeatedly on River Rock cs with River Rock ink, mounted this on the Whisper White piece rounded the corners and added some Linen thread and buttons.  The sentiment (Don't you love this sentiment. I know I do.) was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and layered on Real Red Card Stock.  I added Chili Sprinkles in various sizes for the berries of my Mistletoe branch to complete the card.

So do you want a chance to WIN this great set! - Yes...Well you know the drill.  Head over to ALL the Design Team members blogs and leave a comment on their card for your chance to win this set.  You have 2 days to do this but why wait...get hopping.

You can find a list of the DT members on my sidebar or on the Annabelle Blog.

BC160 - Rockin Instrumental

Hello and Happy Friday! - What a busy week.  So are you ready for the Blogger Challenge for this week.  Yep, it's a "Sketch" challenge.  Our "List Mom" Lisa gave us this great sketch to work with.                                                  For my card I decided to use one of the last new release sets from Annabelle Stamps called, "Rockin Instrumental" for my card.

I chose some really fun and bright patterned paper (My Minds Eye - Love Me Do) as the starting point for my card.  I stamped the Drums with Memento Tuxedo black ink and water colored them with ink pads and an Aqua Painter.  For the middle element I used the Musical score from the stamp set and stamped it repeatedly on Whisper White card stock.  I added photo corners (EK success) Chili Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps) and stamped the sentiment on the opposite side of the DP with black ink.  All images mounted with foam mounting tape.

Card Stock: Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Crushed Curry.

Stop by the other BC Members blogs and see what they did with this sketch.

Don't forget that Annabelle stamps is releasing new sets this week and next and you have a chance to win them by visiting the DT members blogs and leaving a comment for your chance to win.  This set isn't up for grabs but there will be a new set previewed tomorrow night so check back to see what you could win.

absc26

Hi,  I don't have a card for you today (sad face) but I can at least show you the current Annabelle Sketch challenge because you will have a chance to win a great prize (Jeweled Tree) which is perfect for getting a head start on those Christmas projects.

If you visit the Annabelle Blog you will see more great samples of the just previewed stamp set (Ballerina Rose).  This is a gorgeous set and will be available at the end of the previews on July 22nd I believe. 

See you all back tomorrow with another new Stamp set preview.

Let the Previews Begin!

Hi everyone.  Who's up for some NEW stamps! - Yes, it's Preview time once again for Annabelle Stamps and boy have we got some great new sets to show you.
Starting with this GORGEOUS set, (Ballerina Rose)

This set is just so pretty and filled with wonderful sentiments which can be used for Sympathy, Friendship and Thank You cards or whatever else strikes your creativity.  I just love this set. 

So do you want a chance to WIN this set?  YES....Well here's what you need to do.  You need to visit ALL the Design Team members blogs and leave a comment on their blog post using this stamp set for your chance at winning it.  Below is the list of Blogs you need to visit and comment on:
Andrea - Owner of Annabelle Stamps
Kylie
Sue 
Teresa
Rene'
Jerusha
Tiffany
Michelle
and of course ME.  You won't know who has the Prize but Andrea will draw from the comments on the DT member's blog who has the hidden prize and announce the winner on the Annabelle Blog before the next preview starts.  This gives you until midday (Australian Time) on Friday to leave your comments but why wait that long.  Get Hopping and Commenting!

ALL STAMP SETS AVAILABLE on the 29th after the previews are over (Annabelle Stamps)

Details of my card:
Stamp Set:  Ballerina Rose
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Rose Red and Prisma Color Pencils (blended with Gamsol)
Card Stock   Regal Rose*, Rose Red, Gable Green*,  (*now retired SU colors)
Designer Paper: Basic Gray Lemonade
Ribbon, Pearls and Flower all from Annabelle Stamps
Nestabilitie Petite Oval Dies
Glitter - Art Institute

BC159 - Tropical Inspiration

Don't forget to check out my Annabelle Challenge in the post below this one.  We had a fun color challenge with a bit of a "twist" added.

It's FRIDAY and time for the Blogger Challenge.  This weeks challenge is an Inspiration photo.  Don't you just love how refreshing this room looks.  The first thing that caught my attention were the leaf decorations on the shelves - I know pretty strange but I just found them to be a fun element in the room so I went with them and the tropical colors for the inspiration of my card.  

  I chose the current Mojo Monday sketch to use for my card. 

                                    

 For my card I chose one of the leaves in the (Paradise) stamp set from SU.  Instead of stamping it in a dark color I chose some blues/greens by using a Kaleidacolor (Caribbean Sea) ink pad.  My papers are from Cosmo Cricket (DeLovely) line.  I also found a scrap of some black stripe paper that reminded me of the black stripes in the quilt on the bed. I embossed the Bermuda Bay cs using the Victoria embossing folder.  My greeting is from the retired SU set (Autumn Leaf Prints) and was stamped on Crushed Curry cs with Basic Gray ink.  I added a ric-rac border of Hot pink and some Hot pink brads as well to complete my card.

Be sure to click on the BC icon and check out the other members blogs to see how they were inspired by the Inspiration photo.

Here is one of the pics I took of Coleen over the 4th of July weekend.  You can see what else we did by visiting my other blog here:

Say it with Chocolate and Orange

Hi, It's Friday (well in Australia) and time once again for the Annabelle (Say it With...) challenge.  This time we had to create projects using Chocolate and Orange.    These are YUMMY colors together.  I decided to use one of the new release sets (Floral Silhouettes) for my card.  However before I give you the recipe I will tell you this was not the first card that I made for this challenge.

It had been suggested we create some Christmas in July projects and someone joked about trying to use the color challenge for a Christmas card.  So I decided to see if I could create a Christmas card using (Chocolate and Orange) this is the result.  What do you think? It's quite different but still very festive and I like it.

Next is my other card which is a bit more "normal" use of these colors.  As you can see I used the same colors for both cards with the exception of the Cameo Coral on the 2nd card.  Isn't it fun to see how you can create to very different cards using the same stamps and papers!

Card One - Stamp set: Wise Men - Annabelle Stamps
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip,  Close to Cocoa (why did SU retired this color) Pumpkin Pie, Apricot Appeal. Designer Paper is from an old DCWV pack that I've had for a long time. 
Prisma Colored Pencils, Circle Nestabilitie Dies, Pumpkin Pie Grosgrain Ribbon,
Punch - EK Success
Chocolate Pearls & Orange Jewel (Annabelle Stamps)

Card Two - Stamp Set: Floral Silhouettes-Annabelle Stamps
Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Cameo Coral and Apricot Appeal
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie and Cameo Coral
Nestabilitie Dies, Punch EK Success, Chocolate Pearls (Annabelle)

Stop by the DT members blogs to see what they did with this color combo and if anyone else tried to do a Christmas card with them.

Hooray For The Red, White and Blue

Happy Friday! - Wow can you believe that the 4th of July is just a few days away!  In honor of this event our Blogger Challenge this week is: Patriotic cards. 

I've got 2 to show you today.  This first card is my BC challenge card.  I found this awesome paper that I just had to buy and I knew it would be perfect for this challenge.  The paper is from Hot Off The Press (I bought mine at the local JoAnn's). I loved the Stripe pattern and it had this cool border of stars that I cut off to use as a separate element.  I also used the blue piece embossed with the Distressed Stripe embossing folder and a deep red piece that has a subtle star pattern on it.  For my stamp set I chose a very OLD SU set, (Americana Collection) I just love this set and probably will never part with it.
I stamped the Eagle with Memento Tuxedo black ink and colored it with Prisma color pencils.  The sentiment was stamped with a Bravo Burgundy marker on Naturals Ivory cs.  My card base is Kraft or as it's now called, Crumb Cake.  I added 3 Star Brads (source unknown) to complete my card.

Next up is my card for the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge

Aren't these cupcakes cute and oh so Patriotic!  I was inspired by this card that I found on Makiko's fabulous blog.  I loved the design, which after reading her entry is also one of the sketches from Mercy's blog (MTSC78)

For my card I used Whisper White, Real Red cs. The DP is a piece I bought last year from, Sweetwater Firecracker paper collection.  The stamps I used are from a $1  Studio G Stamp set - with the exception of the small stars which are again part of the Americana collection mentioned in the card above and Itty Bitty Backgrounds. I used Real Red and Brilliant Blue markers for the sentiment and stars.  My border punch is MS-Layered Arches. The Red Satin ribbon and Pearls are from Annabelle Stamps and the Red Star eyelets are retired SU.

I hope you all have a very safe 4th of July and remember to give thanks for this GREAT country we are privileged to live in.  God Bless America!!!

absc

Hello! - Did you all enjoy the previews of the NEW Annabelle Sets.  If you haven't stopped by the store yet and ordered your sets you can view them here:      There are some really wonderful new sets with more to come in the next couple of months.

It's time now for the PRIZE week sketch.  -  I must admit that I struggle with sketches like this.  The Square shape is not my usual style nor are the various circle elements and bow.  I do think that I followed the sketch as close as I possibly could.  Just not sure it turned out exactly as I had hoped.  Sometimes we all struggle with our "Mojo" and this week that is what happened to me. 

 For this card I used: Sahara Sand, Certainly Celery, Bashful Blue and So Saffron cs.  The DP is Delicate Dogs (retired-SU)                                             I embossed the flowers from the new Floral Silhouettes stamp set using Opaque Vanilla EP (available from Annabelle Stamps) The Punch is: EK Success-Daisy Scallop.  The ribbon is also So Saffron grosgrain-retired SU.  My embellishments are Silver Sprinkles from Annabelle Stamps.

Be sure to check out the DT members blogs and see what they came up with using this set.  I know some have used the gorgeous new Sentimental Bluebells stamp set so you won't want to miss seeing their cards.  Don't forget you have 2 weeks to use this sketch and link back to your card on the Annabelle Blog for your chance to win:

PRIZE : Jar lge White Pearl mix, and jar sml White Pearl mix. 

Final Sneak Peek - Floral Silhouettes

Hi, I hope you have enjoyed this week and the previews of the new Annabelle Sets!  I know I have had fun creating cards for the release.  The 4 sets we've been previewing will be available to purchase here: on June 28th.    Of course you have a chance to WIN this set (Floral Silhouettes) by doing a little "Blog Hop" and finding the DT member who has a sneak peek from our July release! 

For this card I chose one of the Floral Silhouettes because it reminds me of flower that grows wild in the mountains where I live.  We call this flower, Indian Paintbrush.  Here is a picture I took of this flower up at my oldest brother's cabin in the mountains. 

I used the brilliant red of the flowers and the greenery to create my color scheme adding a touch of black to make the card really pop.  The card base is Basic Black layered with Ruby Red.  I embossed this with the Stylized Flowers Cuttlebug embossing folder.

The Designer paper is from SU - Both patterns are retired.

I used the SU Scallop punch for the black border and added Chili Sprinkles.  The flowers were stamped on Very Vanilla cs using markers (Ruby Red, Old Olive and Basic Black) which I colored directly on the rubber and misted lightly before stamping on the card stock.  I cut the circle out and mounted it over the main flower image which was mounted on a Black Nested Rectangle. The sentiment was stamped with Black ink and mounted on Ruby Red cs.

Don't forget to visit ALL the Design Teams blogs, look for the "sneak peek" and head back to the Annabelle Blog and leave your guess in the comment section.

More Annabelle Fun - Sneak Peek #3

Hello!  Have you been enjoying the sneak peeks this week!  Today we are showcasing a beautiful stamp set called,        Sentimental Bluebells.

This is going to be a "favorite" set for sure.  It's got some great sentiments all of which will fit inside the medallion image.  It's actually open and the sentiment shown in the photo is a separate stamp.  For my card I wanted to use the Medallion, the sentiment and one of the Bluebell images.  I chose another layout from the Go to Sketches but decided to add a layer of DP which wasn't in the sketch so I guess it's a bit of a "twist" from the original sketch.  That's what I think is great about buying these magazines is that you can find a sketch/card you like and then alter it to make it your own.  As you can see I also left off the two bottom side elements and instead used the floral Blue Bell image as a focal element. I stamped and cut out the larger Bluebell and raised it with foam mounting tape.

Card Stock:  Bermuda Bay, Melon Mambo, Whisper White and Designer Paper (Cosmo Cricket - DeLovely line).I stamped my medallion first with Bermuda Bay ink and then cut it using a Circle Nestabilitie Die.  I added Blossom Pink Sprinkles and stamped the sentiment with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on another pattern piece of the DeLovely paper then raised it up on the medallion.  This was mounted on a piece of Melon Mambo that I cut with the Labels 8 Die and then cut in half and pierced the edges..  I also used my EK Success Scroll and Dots border punch. 

So what do you think?  I love that you can choose to color these beautiful flowers as some of the DT has done or you can simply stamp them like I did here with ink and they look just as awesome.

So do you want to win this set...Well to do so you must find the hidden (or not so hidden) sneek peek of the next set.  Then head back to the Annabelle Blog and leave a comment stating who's Blog you think has the next sneak peek.  Simple as that.

You can find all the DT members listed on my sidebar and also on the Annabelle Blog so be sure to take a look at everyone's blog and leave them some comment feedback.

BC157 - A Turtle Hello

Sorry but no Annabelle Challenge Card for me this week.  Have been super busy working on the release cards, taking my granddaughter to swimming lessons, yard work, house work and a bout with a very sore hand/arm for a couple of days.  Be sure though to check out the Annabelle DT members blogs as they did Easel cards this week.

It's Friday and time for the Blogger Challenge.            This week we had a Color Challenge: Kiwi, Blue and White.  (Love these colors together).  Boy was I scrambling to find a piece of scrap Kiwi Kiss so I could make a card.  That was one of my all time favorite SU colors and sadly they retired it and didn't bring it back.  

For this card I used Anna Wight's - Beautiful Day from Whipper Snapper Designs. I've been dying to ink up that adorable Turtle and this color challenge seemed like the perfect time to do so.  I used Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored my happy little turtle with Prisma Colored Pencils blended with Gamsol.  I cut him out using Petite Oval Nesties and mounted him on Brilliant Blue Card Stock.  I paper pieced the hat band, raised up the bow tie with dimensional tape and added Waterfall Blue stickles to the heart flower.

Card Background: Brilliant Blue, layered with Whisper White, and Kiwi Kiss (embossed with Tiny Bubbles Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I layered a piece of DP from Doodlebug Design - Seabreeze Dotted Line.  I also added a punched border (MS Optic Dot punch) of Tempting Turquoise.  I tied a piece of White Grosgrain Ribbon, Added a Turquoise Prima Flower and punched circles of Kiwi and Tempting Turquoise cs and a Olive Sprinkle (Annabelle Stamps).  The sentiment was stamped with Night of Navy ink.  Image and Sentiment and Kiwi Panel were all raised with Dimensional Tape.  I added Brilliant Blue photo corners (EK Success punch) to complete my fun little card.

You Rock

Hello! - Guess what it's time for another "Sneak Peek" of one of the upcoming stamp sets from Annabelle Stamps These stamps will be available to purchase on June 28th.                                    In the meantime Andrea and the other DT members are showcasing each stamp set (There are 4 available this month) and offering you a chance to WIN one of the sets.  It's really easy, all you have to do is stop by each DT members blog and find who has the next "sneak peek" picture on their blog and then hop back to the Annabelle Blog and leave a comment stating the name of the person who has the sneak peek picture on their blog.  You only have a limited 2 day period to get your guess in so don't delay.

Today's preview features an awesome stamp set called, "Rockin Instrumental."  I love this set.  I'm a huge music lover (especially Classic Rock) so this set was right up my alley. 

I absolutely love combing the colors: Black/White together.  They always look so striking so I went with that for my color scheme.  I altered a sketch I found in the latest "Go To Sketches" magazine to fit my card idea.  I followed the basic sketch but added the second smaller circle element.

I embossed the Guitar and the Sentiment using Black and White Embossing Powder.

My paper are from SEI (Eerie Alley) which is the wavy black/white piece and an unknown source on the black dotted piece. (Part of my scrap stash).

One of the things that I loved about this set was the addition of the Musical Notes. Don't they look fun on my card!

Other items used: Black/White Ribbon (American Crafts), Black Currant Sprinkles and White Pearls - Both are available from Annabelle Stamps.  - If you've never tried the Sprinkles you should order some.  They are fabulous. Not to be confused with Dew Drops since the Sprinkles have a metallic background that makes them really shimmer and shine.

So here are the DT Members Blogs: 

Andrea: http://www.stampinmoments.com/

Jerusha: http://www.ilovepapercrafting.blogspot.com/

Kylie: http://kyliescardsandthings.blogspot.com/

Michelle: http://happylittlestamper-colouroncards.blogspot.com/

Rene':  http://stampinginsunnysa.blogspot.com/

Sue: http://a-consuming-passion.blogspot.com/

Teresa:  http://www.thetamarisk.blogspot.com/

Tiffany:  http://stampingattiffanys.blogspot.com/

Please stop by and leave them some comment lovin' - They have worked hard to create some fabulous cards so be sure to check them out.

Have fun HOPPING!!!

Annabelle Excitement

Hooray the "Sneak Peeks" are here!!! Even more exciting for me was the fact that my stamps arrived tonight!!!  I just had to participate in the "sneak peeks" so I quickly whipped up a card.  Thank goodness for sketches like the current MoJo144 sketch.  It really got me jump started on my card.   I found some old designer paper that I've had forever and due to wanting to get this posted quickly I'm going to just say that the source is, (Unknown) for this particular DP and I'm thinking it's probably retired anyway as I've had it forever.  I just loved the colors so I went with that.

Card Base is Ruby Red, layered with Old Olive embossed with the Distressed Stripes Cuttlebug embossing folder and then distressed with Always Artichoke ink.

I used the new set, (Tree-MEN-dos) ABS017 and stamped the tree trunk in Really Rust Ink.  The leaves were stamped with Old Olive and dotted with Ruby Red ink and then I sponged on some Old Olive ink as well.  I stamped the sign with Chocolate Chip ink and the sentiments with Ruby Red ink.  I also used Itty Bitty BG from SU to dot on some Ruby Red ink and distressed the edges with the Cutter Tool.  I tied on some yummy dark brown satin ribbon that I just got from Annabelle stamps as well and added three 4mm Toffee Sprinkles to complete my card.

Don't forget to stop by the other DT members blogs to see their cards.

 I just checked them out and there are some fabulous cards using this new set:          "Tree-MEN-Dous"  so you will want to make sure you check them out as you have a chance to win one of the new sets. 

Here is how:  Locate the DT blog that has a sneak peek of the next set to be previewed and then leave a comment on the ABS Blog for a chance to win!  You will only have a certain amount of time to visit all the DT members blogs and find out who has the next sneak peak so don't delay and be sure to visit all of the DT members blogs as you won't know which one has the sneak peak of the next set.

Once Upon A Monthly Challenge...#1

Here are the results from my Blog Milestone contest.  So without further ado here are the results (I apologize for this blurry photo but I couldn't copy the screen very well.)  Commenter #20 is the winner and that person is none other then Allison!!!                                                                          Allison said...

Love this image...I don't think I have seen it before. Super mix of papers to matchey the cupcake!

June 19, 2010   - Congratulations Allison.  Please contact me with the information on which On-Line store you would like your Gift Certificate from and I will get it sent off to you today!  Thanks everyone for helping me celebrate my 500th Post.  Here's to many more!
 
Now on to some FUN and EXCITING stuff...which was suppose to be posted already but Blogger put this in draft instead of publishing it when I had it scheduled. UGH!

Today is a special day.  My friend Elena (The Red haired Girl) and I have started our own monthly challenge.  Today is our first posting of our:  "Once Upon A Monthly Challenge" and I chose the theme:  Funky Patterns to start off with. 

This is the card that I sent to Elena.  You can find the card she sent me posted on  her blog so don't forget to stop by and check it out.  It's absolutely ADORABLE!  I love all the great details Elena adds to her cards.  She is a wonderful seamstress (which I am so NOT) and she does a fantastic job adding stitching to her cards and oh my her coloring is just awesome.

I chose Mint Motif stamps (Very Square and Very Square Sentiments) for Elena's card.  I used very BRIGHT colors as well using the striped pattern from Cosmo Cricket's DeLovely line for my color scheme.

I paired it with Melon Mambo, Bermuda Bay and Green Galore Card Stock.

I stamped the patterns from the Very square stamp set and then punched out circles using circle punches of varying sizes.  The card is based on a sketch from the latest Go to Sketches magazine from Paper Crafts found on Page 112.

Inks used:  Melon Mambo, Summer Sun, Tangerine Tango and Green Galore.

Other items used: Butterfly punch (source unknown), Gems, ZigZag Punch(EK Success), Cuttlebug embossing folder.

We hope you enjoy our challenge to each other and will stop by again next month when we challenge each other again.

Have a great week.

Two Challenges and a Blog Milestone

Annabelle Sketch (absc24) found HERE:  It's Prize week.  I forgot to mention what the prize is for this challenge so be sure to stop by the Annabelle Blog for details on what's available for this weeks prize.

Now it's time for the Blogger Challenge and my entry for the Cupcake Inspiration Challenge - I combined the two challenges with this card.

Doesn't that cupcake look divine! I just love the soft inviting colors and wanted to create something with a "Vintage" feel to it. 

For the Blogger Challenge we were given this sketch:

And here is what I came up with using both the cupcake inspiration photo and the sketch.

I chose an old SU stamp set appropriately titled, (Vintage Postcard) for my focal image.  I lightly sponged on Cool Caribbean and Green Gable ink and then stamped the image with Chocolate Chip ink.  I mounted the image on Pixie Pink cs.  My card base is Pretty in Pink layered with Cool Caribbean embossed with the Swiss Dot embossing folder.  Then I layered a panel of Gable Green and designer paper by My Mind's Eye (So Sophie).  All the panels were distressed with the Cutter Kit distressing tool and I brushed on some Green Gable ink as well.

My flower was created using the Boho Blossoms punch.  I punched out 5 flowers, wrinkled them up real well, brushed on Pretty in Pink ink, added some glitter and a  Ice Circle Brad.  (I cut the prongs off the 2 brads on the sides) I also used some retired pink ribbon from SU.  I used the (Just a Note) sentiment for the inside of the card.

So now for my Blog Milestone news:  This is my 500th POST!!! - To celebrate I am offering one random commenter a $25 Gift Certificate to their favorite on-line store.  You will have until Midnight Sunday PST to leave a comment for your chance to win.  No Anonymous commenter's.  You will need to leave me a way to contact you should you win.  I will post the winner on Monday morning so stop back by to see if it's you!!!

absc24 - Birthday Cake

Hello! - It's time once again for the newest Annabelle Sketch challenge.  This one's a bit different (at least it was for me) with those alternating side panels.   It works up really fun though and is a great way to use up some of those scraps (come on we all have them) that you have laying around. I hope you'll give it a try.                                                                                                                         For my card this week I chose Helen's Party for my stamp set.  I haven't used it in awhile and wanted to give it some more lovin.  I chose My Mind's Eye (Bloom and Grow) designer paper and based my colors from that.

My card base is: Bermuda Bay layered with Certainly Celery.  The panels are, MME DP, and Apricot Appeal card stock. 

For the focal image I stamped the Cake with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and water colored it with: Bermuda Bay, Apricot Appeal, Tangerine Tango, Certainly Celery and YoYo yellow ink pads and an Aqua Painter.  I added some Lemonade Glitter (Art Institute) to highlight the flame and used Crystal Effects on the cake platter.  This was mounted to an oval of Tangerine Card Stock.  The sentiment was masked and stamped (side by side).  I used Lime Sprinkles and an Orange Gem for my bling and tied on some May Arts Orange Dotted Sheer ribbon to complete the card.

Don't forget the NEW STAMPS are coming soon.  Be sure to add the "Blinkie" to your side bar and post the news to your blog for your chance to win some great prizes.

Also on a "side-note"  I am nearing my 500th post and am giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to your favorite On-Line store to one random commenter on the day I post my 500th post so be sure to stop by in the next day or so and comment for your chance to win.  No Anonymous Commenter's either.  You must leave a way to contact you if you win.  The contest will remain open until Midnight on Sunday - PST and the prize drawn and winner posted on Monday 21st.

Snippets - Here's a peek...

Okay I haven't posted yet this week but I've been busy stamping.  I thought I'd "tease" you a little with another "Snippet" of an upcoming card.  So what do you think?  -  To see the entire card you'll have to come back on Friday for the Blogger Challenge.

Also I'm nearing my 500th Post (wow that's a lot of posts) and want to do something special to commemorate the event.  I'll be offering a $25 Gift Certificate to your favorite On-Line store to one random commenter on the day I post my 500th post.  So don't forget to stop by and leave a comment or you'll miss out on your chance to win.

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

Hip, Hip, Hooray!  New Stamps are on their way!!!

Yes, Excitement is in the air over at Annabelle Stamps . What's all the excitement about...well new stamps are on their way.  To celebrate we are having a fantastic contest.   So what's up for grabs?

Four New Sets are being released this month and there will be 4 winners drawn randomly from those who follow the contest rules (who will each receive one of the brand spankin new sets.) !!!

 Here's what you need to do:

To be entered into the draw:

1. Grab our blinkie from the sidebar on the AnnaBelle Blog and place on your blog. You just need to copy and paste the text underneath the blinkie into a html gadget. (In blogger click Design then click add gadget and select HTML/Javascript) and remember to link your post to the AnnaBelle blog!

2. Please tell your friends about the new release and previews starting 22nd June in a post!

3. Become a follower of this blog if you aren't already :) You don't want to miss out on the fun and giveaways!

4. Add a link to your post spreading the word with Inlinkz.



The contest ends 12.00pm AEST Monday, June 21st!! NOTE there is a clock on the Annabelle Blog stating the AEST time frame.


Pretty Simple - So don't forget to enter for your chance to WIN - These sets are really great so you won't want to miss out on your chance to win one.

BC155 Happy Father's Day

Welcome!  Click here for the Annabelle Challenge

Now for today's Blogger Challenge our theme this week is, Father's Day.  I must admit that I have a really hard time with these challenges.  Not because they are hard to make but rather since my father has passed away I just don't feel up to making these types of cards.  At any rate I can always use this card to give to my hubby so here it is.

Nothing real fancy this week but I like how it turned out.

I started by picking out my papers from the SU Sweet Pea collection.  I love the brown, saffron and olive in this piece and think it lends itself to a masculine feeling card.  I chose to highlight just a sentiment and used the Happy Father's Day sentiment from, (All Holidays).  I colored directly on the stamp with Old Olive, Chocolate Chip and So Saffron markers, huffed on the stamp and stamped it down on Whisper White card stock. This was mounted on a piece of Chocolate Chip, layered to an embossed piece of Old Olive and mounted on So Saffron and Chocolate Chip Card stock.  The edges were distressed with a distressing tool.  I added punched circles of the same colors, some wide Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon and Old Olive brads. I used the Argyle embossing folder.

Be sure to stop by the other BC members blogs to view their Father's Day creations.  Have a great weekend.  It's FINALLY suppose to be sunny here so I'm looking forward to that.

Say It With...Pink and Green

Hi! - Hope your week has been going well.  Nothing real exciting happening here (still lots of rain) but that should change come the weekend - Hallelujah!  For this weeks Annabelle Challenge our theme is,         "Say it With Pink and Green."  These are lovely colors together.  For my card I picked out designer paper (Sweet Pea - SU) and stamps from Annabelle Stamps ( Flowers With Love). 

I found inspiration for my layout from this card by Genevieve Cassady found on Page 92 of the new, ( Card Creations Vol 8. Issue)  I love the look of the Tag on the card but wanted my sentiment to be at the bottom instead of along the side so for that element I added the gorgeous Sprinkles (Blossom and Olive). I also changed the ribbon element and added the flower.    Other items used:  Flower Ribbon from Annabelle Stamps,  Labels 8 Nestabilitie Die, Aqua Painter, Ink Pads (Rose Red, Pretty in Pink, Old Olive and Memento Tuxedo Black for the sentiment.) Card Stock: Old Olive, Pretty in Pink and Whisper White. Zig Zag Punch (EK Success) and Swiss Dot embossing folder.  Be sure to stop by the DT members blogs and see what they have created using these colors.  Don't forget you still have a week left to participate in the latest sketch challenge for your chance to win some Black Current Metallic Sprinkles.

CIC62 - Sending Love Your Way

Hey, Did you hear the news?  The Cupcake Inspiration Challenge now has it's own Blog!!! You can check it out HERE

The cupcakes for this weeks challenge (CIC62) come from, Sweet Frosted Cupcakes. Don't they look delicious! I'm so glad you can't gain weight just by looking at these sweet treats or I'd be in BIG trouble!

My card was inspired by the White/Pink color scheme and the lovely flowers on the cupcakes.  While browsing through the latest issue of, Card Creations - Vol. 8 I spotted a card by the wonderfully talented Kim Hughes (Paper Hugs) on Page 42 that I really liked.  I decided to "case" her card but after I got started my card actually took a few twists and turns and evolved into this card instead.  Still I want to thank Kim for the inspiration.

I hope you'll join in on the fun at the new Cupcake Inspiration Challenge blog.

Card Details: 

Stamps:  Flourishes from (Technique Tuesday) - This is an older set so I'm not entirely sure that they still carry this set.

Sentiment from (Hero Arts)

Card Stock: Melon Mambo,Whisper White

Designer Paper:  Cosmo Cricket (DeLovely) and Scrapworks (Lucky in Love)

Punch: EK Success-Daisy Scallop

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Melon Mambo(SU)

Labels 8 Nestabilite Dies

Pearls: Zva

Flower Punch-SU and Lg. Corner Rounder (retired SU)

Brad: Queen and Company

White Grosgrain ribbon (SU)

BC154 The Future

Click  HERE for this weeks Annabelle Challenge.   For this weeks Blogger challenge the theme was, Graduation.  Now I don't know a single person who is graduating this year and rarely have a need for Grad cards so my selection of stamps for that theme is quite limited.  However after some searching I settled on this sentiment stamp from (Hero Arts - Anytime Messages) and the Graduation Cap from and old Hero Arts set, (Designs for the Year) that I've had for a very long time.  I wanted to go with something bright and cheerful as well so I picked out another pattern from the (Cosmo Cricket, DeLovely) mini deck.

Details: Card Stock: Bermuda Bay, Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Gable Green.
Designer Paper (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Bermuda Bay
Other: Punches, Zig Zag and Embossed Curved Edge (EK Success)
Labels 8 Nestabilitie Dies
Certainly Celery Grosgrain Ribbon
Waterfall Sprinkles (Annabelle Stamps)
Foam mounting tape

Don't forget to click on the BC Icon on my sidebar and check out the other members blogs for their Graduation themed projects.

Have a great weekend.

absc23 - Thinking of You (Prize Week too)

Hey it's Friday and we all know that that means...Yep, it's time for a new Annabelle Sketch Challenge!  This weeks sketch is really fun and we'd love it if you joined in on the fun.  Beside's a PRIZE is available so why not give it a shot.  The prize this week is a jar of gorgeous 3mm and 4mm Black Currant Metallics.  Let me tell you these Metallic Sprinkles are divine so you don't want to miss your chance at winning some.

Here is my card for this challenge.  It's bright but I just love how this one turned out. 

My card making process sometimes varies and for this card I started by picking out my paper first.  I went with some fun bright patterns from the new Cosmo Cricket - DeLovely Mini Deck.  They are so cheery and with all the rainy weather we've been having here I needed something bright to keep me feeling upbeat.

Next up I chose my image.  The flower is from, (Floral Stems) and the sentiment is from, (Swirl Tree).  I stamped both with Memento Tuxedo black ink and watercolored the flower using Summer Sun and Kiwi Kiss ink pads and an Aqua Painter.  I highlighted the flower with a Yellow Spica Glitter Pen.  See how shimmery it looks in the close-up. YUM!

My card base is Taken With Teal, layered with YoYo Yellow (soon to be retired from SU) and then the DP from Cosmo Cricket.  The focal image was mounted on Kiwi Kiss card stock.  At the bottom I added 4mm Lime Sprinkles and the flower has a 6mm Waterfall Sprinkle in the center.

So that's it for this week.  Be sure to stop by the Annabelle Blog and the other DT members blogs to see their take on this great sketch.  Be sure to leave some "Comment Lovin" because it's just nice to know you stopped by.

Have a great week and remember COMING SOON...New Annabelle Stamp Sets (You won't want to miss them)!!!

Mr. Roboto

Today I am sharing a card that isn't for any challenge (imagine that!).  Instead this is a card I made to send to a friend's son who is turning 10 on June 9th.  I hope he likes this card.         I started by using this fun Robot stamp (Bella Blvd). That I won from Hope (Hope Stamps Eternal) awhile back.  She also sent along a fun selection of papers from Bella Blvd..  I chose to use one of the patterns from that line and based my card colors from the paper..  The robot was stamped with Night of Navy ink and the grass with Kiwi Kiss ink.  I added Cranberry glitter (Art Institute) for the heart.  Then I distressed the edges and layered the image askewed  (something I rarely do) on Kiwi Kiss card stock.  I punched a border of Tangerine Tango with my EK Success, (Zig Zag Chain) punch.  At the bottom I added 3 deep red brads (Pink Hedgehog).  I punched stars  and stamped the sentiment  (SU-It's Your Birthday) with Tangerine Tango ink.   Hey I even did the inside of the card.  Sentiment computer generated.

Card Stock: Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Whisper White Designer Paper:  Bella Blvd.